Fiber optic adapter assemblies including an adapter housing and a locking housing

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector housing defining a rotationally-discrete locking portion defined on an outer surface, an adapter assembly selectively coupled to the connector housing, the adapter assembly including an adapter housing defining an adapter front end and an adapter retention member that is positionable between an engaged position, in which the adapter retention member restricts movement of the connector housing with respect to the adapter assembly in an axial direction, and a disengaged position, in which the connector housing is movable with respect to the adapter assembly in the axial direction, and a locking housing positioned between the adapter housing and the connector housing, the locking housing defining a locking front end positionable at least partially within the adapter housing, and a locking retention feature that is engaged with the adapter retention member when the adapter retention member is in the engaged position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/119,596, filed Nov. 30, 2020,the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to fiber optic adapterassemblies for connecting optical fibers, and more particularly to fiberoptic adapter assemblies including an adapter housing and a lockinghousing.

BACKGROUND

Optical fibers are used in an increasing number and variety ofapplications, such as a wide variety of telecommunications and datatransmission applications. As a result, fiber optic networks include anever increasing number of terminated optical fibers and fiber opticcables that can be conveniently and reliable mated with correspondingoptical receptacles in the network. These terminated optical fibers andfiber optic cables are available in a variety of connectorized formatsincluding, for example, hardened OptiTap® and OptiTip® connectors,field-installable UniCam® connectors, preconnectorized single ormulti-fiber cable assemblies with SC, FC, or LC connectors, etc., all ofwhich are available from Corning Incorporated, with similar productsavailable from other manufacturers, as is well documented in the patentliterature.

The optical receptacles with which the aforementioned terminated fibersand cables are coupled are commonly provided at optical network units(ONUs), network interface devices (NIDs), and other types of networkdevices or enclosures, and often require hardware that is sufficientlyrobust to be employed in a variety of environments under a variety ofinstallation conditions. These conditions may be attributable to theenvironment in which the connectors are employed, or the habits of thetechnicians handling the hardware. Consequently, there is a continuingdrive to enhance the robustness of these connectorized assemblies, whilepreserving quick, reliable, and trouble-free optical connection to thenetwork.

SUMMARY

Fiber optic connectors, connectorized cable assemblies, closureassemblies, and methods for connecting fiber optic connectors to, anddisconnecting fiber optic connectors from closure assemblies aredisclosed herein.

In a first aspect A1, the present disclosure provides a fiber opticconnector assembly comprising a connector housing defining arotationally-discrete locking portion defined on an outer surface of theconnector housing, an adapter assembly selectively coupled to theconnector housing, the adapter assembly comprising an adapter housingextending around the connector housing and defining an adapter front endand an adapter retention member that is positionable between an engagedposition, in which the adapter retention member restricts movement ofthe connector housing with respect to the adapter assembly in an axialdirection, and a disengaged position, in which the connector housing ismovable with respect to the adapter assembly in the axial direction, anda locking housing positioned between the adapter housing and theconnector housing, the locking housing defining a locking front endpositionable at least partially within the adapter housing, and alocking retention feature that is engaged with the adapter retentionmember when the adapter retention member is in the engaged position.

In a second aspect A2, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of aspect A1, wherein the locking retention featurecomprises a slot defined on an outer surface of the locking housing.

In a third aspect A3, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of either of aspects A1 or A2, wherein the adapterretention member defines a forwardly-facing locking engagement facepositioned at least partially within the locking retention feature ofthe locking housing in the engaged position.

In a fourth aspect A4, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of any of aspects A1-A3, wherein the adapter housingdefines an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the adapterretention member comprises an arm extending inwardly from the innersurface.

In a fifth aspect A5, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of any of aspects A1-A4, wherein the adapterretention member defines a ramp facing rearwardly and outwardly in aradial direction.

In a sixth aspect A6, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of any of aspects A1-A5, further comprising aconnector retention feature engaged with the locking housing, andwherein the rotationally-discrete locking portion of the connectorhousing defines a connector locking face engaged with the connectorretention feature.

In a seventh aspect A7, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of aspect A6, wherein the connector retention featurecomprises a clip engaged with an outer surface of the locking housingand the connector locking face.

In an eighth A8, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of any of aspects A1-A7, further comprising a bootrearward of the connector housing in the axial direction, the bootdefining a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature.

In a ninth aspect A9, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of aspect A8, wherein the boot is movable between anengaged position, in which the forwardly-extending adapter engagementfeature is engaged with the adapter retention member, and a disengagedposition, in which the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature isspaced apart from the adapter retention member.

In a tenth aspect A10, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of aspect A9, wherein the forwardly-extending adapterengagement feature of the boot restricts outward movement of the adapterretention member in a radial direction that is transverse to the axialdirection in the engaged position.

In an eleventh aspect A11, the present disclosure provides the fiberoptic connector assembly any of aspects A8-A10, wherein theforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is positioned between theinner surface of the adapter housing and the adapter retention member inthe engaged position.

In a twelfth aspect A12, the present disclosure provides the fiber opticconnector assembly of any of aspects A8-A11, wherein theforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature comprises a fingerextending forwardly from the boot.

In a thirteenth aspect A13, the present disclosure provides the fiberoptic connector assembly of any of aspects A8-A12, further comprising asealing element positioned between the connector housing and the lockinghousing.

In a fourteenth aspect A14, the present disclosure provides the fiberoptic connector assembly of any of aspects A1-A12, further comprising asealing element engaged with an outer surface of the adapter housing.

In a fifteenth aspect A15, the present disclosure provides the fiberoptic connector assembly of any of aspects A1-A14, wherein the adapterhousing comprises a plurality of adapter retention members positionablebetween the engaged position and the disengaged position.

In a sixteenth aspect A16, the present disclosure provides the fiberoptic connector assembly of aspect A1, further comprising a bootrearward of the connector housing in the axial direction, the bootdefining a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature, and whereinthe locking retention feature comprises a slot defined on an outersurface of the locking housing, the adapter retention member defines aforwardly-facing locking engagement face positioned at least partiallywithin the locking retention feature of the locking housing in theengaged position, and the boot is movable between an engaged position,in which the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is engagedwith the adapter retention member, and a disengaged position, in whichthe forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is spaced apart fromthe adapter retention member.

In a seventeenth aspect A17, the present disclosure provides the fiberoptic connector assembly of any of aspects A1-A16, wherein the lockinghousing defines a protrusion extending outward from an outer surface ofthe locking housing.

In an eighteenth aspect A18, the present disclosure provides a methodfor connecting a fiber optic connector assembly to a closure, the methodcomprising inserting a connector housing into a locking housing, theconnector housing defining a locking portion defined on an outer surfaceof the connector housing, inserting the locking housing into an adapterhousing, the adapter housing defining an adapter front end and anadapter retention member, and engaging the adapter retention member ofthe locking housing with a locking retention feature of the lockinghousing.

In a nineteenth aspect A19, the present disclosure provides the methodof aspect A18, further comprising engaging the adapter retention memberwith a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of a bootpositioned rearward of the connector housing.

In a twentieth aspect A20, the present disclosure provides the method ofaspect A19, wherein engaging the adapter retention member with theforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of the boot comprisesmoving the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature between aninner surface of the locking housing and the adapter retention member.

In a twenty-first aspect A21, the present disclosure provides a methodfor disconnecting a fiber optic connector assembly from a closure, themethod comprising moving a boot rearward in an axial direction withrespect to a locking housing engaged an adapter housing, therebydisengaging a forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of the bootfrom an adapter retention member of the adapter housing, moving thelocking housing rearward in the axial direction with respect to theadapter housing, thereby disengaging the adapter retention member from alocking retention feature of the locking housing, and moving the lockinghousing and a connector housing within the locking housing out of theadapter housing.

In a twenty-second aspect A22, the present disclosure provides themethod of aspect A21, wherein disengaging the adapter retention memberof the adapter housing from the locking retention feature of the lockinghousing comprises moving the adapter retention member outwardly in aradial direction.

Additional features of fiber optic connectors, connectorized cableassemblies, closure assemblies, and methods for connecting fiber opticconnectors to, and disconnecting fiber optic connectors from closureassemblies will be set forth in the detailed description which follows,and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthat description or recognized by practicing the embodiments describedherein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, aswell as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a closure and fiberoptic connector assemblies inserted at least partially into the closure,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a perspective view of a fiber opticconnector assembly including a connector housing and a locking housing,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connector housinginserted at least partially within the locking housing of FIG. 2,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connector housingand the locking housing of FIG. 2, and a boot, an adapter housing, and acoupling, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connector housingand the locking housing of FIG. 2 inserted at least partially into theadapter housing of FIG. 4, according to one or more embodiments shownand described herein;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connector housingof FIG. 2 including a sealing element and a rear seal, according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a perspective view of the locking housingand the boot of FIG. 4 and a sealing element, according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 schematically depicts a perspective view of the adapter housingand the coupling of FIG. 4 and a sealing element, according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connector housingand the locking housing of FIG. 2 and a connector retention feature,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connectorretention feature of FIG. 9 in isolation, according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 schematically depicts a perspective view of the connectorhousing of FIG. 2 engaged with the connector retention feature of FIG.9, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 12 schematically depicts a perspective view of the boot of FIG. 4,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 13 schematically depicts an enlarged perspective view of the bootof FIG. 12, according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 14 schematically depicts a side view of the locking housing of FIG.7, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 15 schematically depicts a section view of the adapter housing ofFIG. 8, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 16 schematically depicts a rear perspective view of the adapterhousing of FIG. 15, according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 17 schematically depicts a section view of the connector housingand the locking housing approaching the adapter housing of FIG. 4,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 18 schematically depicts a section view of the connector housingand the locking housing of FIG. 17 inserted at least partially withinthe adapter housing, according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 19 schematically depicts a section view of the connector housingand the locking housing FIG. 17 inserted into the adapter housing,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 20 schematically depicts a section view of the connector housing,the locking housing, and the adapter housing of FIG. 19 with the bootpositioned in an engaged position, according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 21 schematically depicts an enlarged section view of the connectorhousing, the locking housing, and the adapter housing of FIG. 19 withthe boot positioned in the disengaged position, according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 22 schematically depicts an enlarged section view of the connectorhousing, the locking housing, and the adapter housing of FIG. 19 withthe boot positioned in the engaged position, according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 23 schematically depicts a section view of the connector housing,the locking housing, the adapter housing, and the boot of FIG. 5,according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 24 schematically depicts an enlarged section view of the connectorhousing, the locking housing, and the boot of FIG. 23, according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of optical adapterassemblies, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Embodimentsdescribed herein are directed to fiber optic connector assembliesincluding a connector housing and an adapter assembly including alocking housing and an adapter housing. The adapter housing maygenerally permit the connector housing to be engaged with a dissimilarcoupling, for example of a closure. The connector housing may beselectively coupled to, and may be releasable from the adapter housingvia the locking housing, thereby allowing the connector housing to beselectively coupled to and released from the dissimilar coupling and/orclosure.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to theforward-rearward direction of the components described herein (i.e., inthe +/−-direction as depicted). The term “lateral direction” refers tothe cross-wise direction of the components (i.e., in the +/−x-directionas depicted), and is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The term“vertical direction” refers to the upward-downward direction of thecomponents (i.e., in the +/−y-direction as depicted). The term “axialdirection” generally refers to the longitudinal direction of fiber opticconnector assemblies described herein. The term “radial direction”refers to the direction extending outward from the longitudinaldirection of fiber optic connector assemblies described herein (i.e., inthe R-direction as depicted). The term “circumferential” directionrefers to the direction extending around the longitudinal direction offiber optic connector assemblies described herein (i.e., in theC-direction as depicted).

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a closure 200 is depicted with multiplefiber optic connector assemblies 100 inserted at least partially intothe closure 200. In embodiments, the closure 200 may facilitate theconnection of multiple fiber optic connector assemblies 100. In someembodiments, the closure 200 may be a boite de Protection d′epissuragesoptiques (BPEO) closure, however, it should be understood that this ismerely an example. As shown in FIG. 1, closures 200 may include multipleclosure openings 202 that can each receive a fiber optic connectorassembly 100. In embodiments, the closure openings 202 may be positionedadjacent to one another in the vertical direction and/or in the lateraldirection (i.e., in the +/−y-direction and the +/−x-direction asdepicted). In other words, the closure openings 202 may be positioned ontop of one another in the vertical direction, and may be placedside-by-side to one another in the lateral direction (i.e., in the+/−y-direction and the +/−x-direction as depicted, respectively). Bypositioning the closure openings 202 adjacent to one another in thevertical direction and the lateral direction (i.e., in the+/−y-direction and the +/−x-direction as depicted), multiple fiber opticconnector assemblies 100 may be inserted into the closure 200 even whenthe closure 200 has a comparatively small footprint evaluated in thevertical and lateral directions. In other words, by positioning theclosure openings 202 adjacent to one another in the vertical directionand the lateral direction, the number of fiber optic connectorassemblies 100 inserted into the closure 200 may be increased ascompared to similarly-sized closures having closure openings 202 thatare not positioned adjacent to one another in the vertical direction andthe lateral direction.

However, with fiber optic connector assemblies 100 positioned adjacentto one another in the vertical direction and the lateral direction(i.e., in the +/−y-direction and the +/−x-direction as depicted), it maybe difficult for users to insert and remove the fiber optic connectorassemblies 100 from the closure 200. In particular, space betweenadjacent fiber optic connector assemblies 100 in the vertical directionand the lateral direction (i.e., in the +/−y-direction and the+/−x-direction as depicted, respectively) may be minimal. Minimaldistance between the fiber optic connector assemblies 100 may make itdifficult for a user to manipulate any of the fiber optic connectorassemblies 100 to remove or insert the fiber optic connector assemblies100 to the closure 200.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a perspective view of a fiber opticconnector assembly 100 of a fiber optic cable 10 are schematicallydepicted, respectively. In embodiments, the fiber optic connectorassembly 100 includes a connector housing 110 and an adapter assembly130 including a locking housing 140. The locking housing 140 isengageable with the connector housing 110. For example, the connectorhousing may be insertable at least partially within the locking housing140, as shown in FIG. 3.

In embodiments, the connector housing 110 defines an outer surface 116extending from a rear end 122 to a front end 120 in the longitudinaldirection (i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted). In embodiments, aferrule 108 may be positioned at the front end 120 of the connectorhousing 110. An optical fiber may extend through the ferrule 108 in thelongitudinal direction (i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted). Inembodiments in which the fiber optic cable 10 includes a single opticalfiber, the optical fiber may be coaxial with the longitudinal direction(i.e., the +/−z-direction as depicted). For multifiber cables, thisalignment will be offset for one, more than one, or all of the opticalfibers of the fiber optic cable 10.

In embodiments, the locking housing 140 defines an outer surface 148extending from a locking rear end 146 to a locking front end 144 in thelongitudinal direction (i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted). Inembodiments, locking housing 140 defines one or more locking retentionfeatures 142 on the outer surface 148. In embodiments, the one or morelocking retention features 142 may be slots extending inwardly into theouter surface 148 of the locking housing 140.

When assembled, the connector housing 110 may be at least partiallyinserted into the locking housing 140. In some embodiments, theconnector housing 110 defines a connector keying portion 114 thatinterfaces with a complementary locking housing keying portion such thatthe connector housing 110 may be inserted into the locking housing 140only in one rotational orientation. While in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, the connector keying portion 114 of the connector housing 110 isdepicted as a negative cutout, it should be understood that this ismerely an example. In embodiments, the connector keying portion 114 ofthe connector housing 110 and the complementary locking housing keyingportion may include any suitable complementary shapes to restrictrotation between the locking housing 140 and the connector housing 110and to ensure rotational alignment between the locking housing 140 andthe connector housing 110. For example, in embodiments, the connectorkeying portion 114 may be a positive surface projection extendingoutward from the outer surface 116 of the connector housing 110.

Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the connector housing 110,the locking housing 140, and an adapter housing 160 is schematicallydepicted. In embodiments, the locking housing 140 (and accordingly theconnector housing 110) may be inserted at least partially within theadapter housing 160, as described in greater detail herein. The adapterhousing 160 generally extends between an adapter front end 164 to anadapter front end 162 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the+/−z-direction depicted in FIG. 4). The adapter front end 162 isengageable with a coupling 20. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and5, the coupling 20 is embodied as an SC coupling, however, it should beunderstood that this is merely an example, and the adapter housing 160may be engageable with any suitable coupling, for example and withoutlimitation, an LC coupling or the like. In some embodiments, couplings20 may be positioned at least partially within the closure openings 202(FIG. 1), and the fiber optic connector assemblies 100 inserted into theclosure 200 (FIG. 1) may each interface with a coupling 20.

In some embodiments, the locking housing 140 defines an outer lockingkeying feature 154 extending outwardly from the outer surface 148 of thelocking housing 140. In embodiments, the outer locking keying feature154 interfaces with a complementary adapter housing keying feature ofthe adapter housing 160, such that the locking housing 140 may beinserted into the adapter housing 160 only in one rotationalorientation. While in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the outerlocking keying feature 154 of the locking housing 140 is depicted as apositive surface projection, it should be understood that this is merelyan example. In embodiments, the outer locking keying feature 154 of thelocking housing 140 and the complementary adapter housing keying featureof the adapter housing 160 may include any suitable complementary shapesto restrict rotation between the locking housing 140 and the adapterhousing 160 and to ensure rotational alignment between the lockinghousing 140 and the adapter housing 160. For example, in embodiments,the outer locking keying feature 154 may be a negative cutout extendinginwardly from the outer surface 148 of the locking housing 140.

In some embodiments, the fiber optic connector assembly 100 furtherincludes a boot 180 rearward of the connector housing 110 (FIG. 2) inthe axial direction (i.e., in the −z-direction as depicted). The boot180 may be selectively movable with respect to the adapter housing 160in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted), asdescribed in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, in some embodiments, the fiber optic connectorassembly 100 may include one or more sealing elements 136 engaged withthe connector housing 110, the locking housing 140, and/or the adapterhousing 160. The one or more sealing elements 136 may include o-rings orthe like. For example and referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, asealing element 136 may be positioned on the connector housing 110 andmay be positioned between the connector housing 110 and the lockinghousing 140 (FIG. 7).

In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 6, the fiber optic connectorassembly 100 may include a rear seal 132 positioned at least partiallyaround the connector housing 110. The rear seal 132 may be restrictenvironmental elements (e.g., water, humidity, etc.) from passingbetween the connector housing 110 and locking housing 140, and mayinclude any suitable material for restricting the passage ofenvironmental elements, for example and without limitation, a polymer orthe like.

In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 7, a sealing element 136 may bepositioned on the locking housing 140 and may be positioned between theadapter housing 160 (FIG. 8) and the locking housing 140.

In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 8, a sealing element 136 may bepositioned on the adapter housing 160. The sealing elements 136 mayassist in restricting the passage of environmental elements (e.g.,water, humidity, etc.) to interior portions of the fiber optic connectorassembly 100, as described in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, in some embodiments, the fiber optic connectorassembly 100 includes a connector retention feature 150 engaged with thelocking housing 140. The connector retention feature 150 may include aclip or the like that restricts movement of the connector housing 110with respect to the locking housing 140 in the axial direction (i.e., inthe −z-direction as depicted).

In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 11, the connector housing 110defines a rotationally-discrete locking portion 112 on the outer surface116 of the connector housing 110. As used herein, the term“rotationally” discrete represents a limited width-wise extent along theouter surface 116 of the connector housing 110, as the connector housing110 is rotated in the circumferential direction C.

In some embodiments, the rotationally-discrete locking portion 112defines a connector locking face 113 that, in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 11 faces rearwardly in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the−z-direction as depicted). The connector retention feature 150, inembodiments, is engaged with the connector locking face 113 andrestricts movement of the connector housing 110 with respect to lockinghousing 140 in the axial direction (e.g., in the −z-direction asdepicted). For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface 148 ofthe locking housing 140 defines a groove 149. The connector retentionfeature 150, in embodiments, may be seated at least partially within thegroove 149 such that movement of the connector retention feature 150 inthe axial direction (i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted) withrespect to the locking housing 140 is restricted. Through engagementwith the connector locking face 113 of the connector housing 110, theconnector retention feature 150 may restrict withdrawal of the connectorhousing 110 from the adapter housing 160 in the −z-direction asdepicted.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the boot 180 is depicted in isolation. Inembodiments, the boot 180 defines one or more forwardly-extendingadapter engagement features 182. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12and 13, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 may beembodied as fingers extending forward from the boot 180. In someembodiments, the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 maybe rotationally-discrete about the boot 180, however, it should beunderstood that this is merely an example. In some embodiments, the boot180 further defines a rotationally-discrete orientation indicator 184.The rotationally-discrete orientation indicator 184 may assist a user,such as a technician in rotationally aligning the forwardly-extendingadapter engagement features 182 with the adapter housing 160 (FIG. 8),as described in greater detail herein. In embodiments, the boot 180 mayhave a varying thickness along the axial direction (i.e., in the+/−z-direction), which may allow the boot 180 to bend as desired in theradial direction and/or to assist a user in gripping the boot 180.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the locking housing 140 and the adapterhousing 160 are schematically depicted. In embodiments, the lockinghousing 140 defines the one or more locking retention features 142. Theadapter housing 160, in embodiments, the adapter housing 160 defines oneor more adapter retention members 170 that are engageable with the oneor more locking retention features 142 of the locking housing 140 as thelocking housing 140 is inserted into the adapter housing 160. The one ormore adapter retention members 170, in some embodiments, may includearms extend inwardly from an adapter inner surface 166 of the adapterhousing 160. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 14-16, the lockinghousing 140 defines four locking retention features 142, and the adapterhousing 160 defines four adapter retention members 170, however, itshould be understood that this is merely an example. In embodiments, thelocking housing 140 may include any suitable number of locking retentionfeatures 142, and the adapter housing 160 may include any suitablenumber of corresponding adapter retention members 170. In embodiments,the adapter retention members 170 may restrict movement of the lockinghousing 140 with respect to the adapter housing 160 when engaged withthe locking retention features 142 of the locking housing 140.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20, section views of the fiber optic connectorassembly 100 are schematically depicted. Referring particularly to FIG.17, the connector housing 110 is inserted at least partially into thelocking housing 140. The adapter housing 160 may be engaged with thecoupling 20.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, as the locking housing 140 (andaccordingly the connector housing 110) are inserted into the adapterhousing 160, the one or more adapter retention members 170 may engagethe one or more locking retention features 142 of the locking housing140. For example, in embodiments, the one or more adapter retentionmembers 170 are positionable in a disengaged position as shown in FIGS.17 and 18, in which the locking housing 140 (and accordingly theconnector housing 110) are movable with respect to the adapter housing160 in the axial direction (i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted).The one or more adapter retention members 170 are also positionable inan engaged position, as shown in FIG. 19, in which the one or moreadapter retention members 170 restrict movement of the locking housing140 (and accordingly the connector housing 110) in the axial direction(i.e., in the +/−z-direction as depicted), for example, throughengagement with the one or more locking retention features 142 of thelocking housing 140.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the boot 180 is movable between adisengaged position, as shown in FIG. 19, and an engaged position, asshown in FIG. 20. In the disengaged position (FIG. 19), theforwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 are spaced apartfrom the one or more adapter retention members 170 (e.g., in thez-direction as depicted). In the engaged position, theforwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 of the boot 180 areengaged with the one or more adapter retention members 170.

For example and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 enlarged section views ofthe boot 180 in the disengaged position and the engaged position areschematically depicted, respectively. In some embodiments, the one ormore adapter retention members 170 may define a forwardly- facinglocking engagement face 172 and/or a rearwardly-facing lockingengagement face 173 that are positioned at least partially within thelocking retention feature 142 of the locking housing 140. Engagementbetween the forwardly-facing locking engagement face 172 and therearwardly-facing locking engagement face 173 with the locking retentionfeature 142 may restrict movement of the locking housing 140 withrespect to the adapter housing 160 in the axial direction (i.e., in the+/−z-direction as depicted).

In some embodiments, the one or more adapter retention members 170 maydefine a ramp 174 facing rearwardly and outwardly in the radialdirection. In embodiments, the ramp 174 may assist in moving theforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature 182 of the boot 180between the one or more adapter retention members 170 and the adapterinner surface 166. For example, and as shown in FIG. 22, in the engagedposition, at least a portion of the forwardly-extending adapterengagement features 182 of the boot 180 are positioned between the oneor more adapter retention members 170 and the adapter inner surface 166of the adapter housing 160. With the forwardly-extending adapterengagement features 182 of the boot 180 positioned between the one ormore adapter retention members 170 and the adapter inner surface 166,the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 of the boot 180restrict outward movement of the one or more adapter retention members170 in the radial direction R. By restricting outward movement of theone or more adapter retention members 170, the forwardly-extendingadapter engagement features 182 of the boot 180 may generally restrictdisengagement of the one or more adapter retention members 170 from thelocking retention features 142 of the locking housing 140. Byrestricting disengagement of the one or more adapter retention members170 from the locking retention features 142 of the locking housing 140,the forwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 may assist inretaining a position of the locking housing 140 (and accordingly theconnector housing 110 (FIG. 20) with respect to the adapter housing 160.

However, by moving the boot 180, and according the forwardly-extendingadapter engagement features 182) rearward in the axial direction (i.e.,in the −z-direction as depicted), the boot 180 can be re-positioned inthe disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the one or moreadapter retention members 170 can be disengaged from the lockingretention features 142 of the locking housing 140. For example, in someembodiments, the one or more adapter retention members 170 can bedisengaged from the locking retention features 142 by move the lockinghousing 140 rearward in the axial direction (i.e., in the −z-directionas depicted) with a force above a predetermined threshold. In this way,the locking housing 140 (and accordingly the connector housing 110 (FIG.20)) can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the adapterhousing 160.

In some embodiments, the boot 180 may be formed from a resilientmaterial, such as a polymer or the like. In these embodiments, theforwardly-extending adapter engagement features 182 of the boot 180 mayallow some movement of the one or more adapter retention members 170outward in the radial direction R, for example, upon the application ofa force exceeding a predetermined threshold. For example, in someembodiments, the forwardly- extending adapter engagement features 182 ofthe boot 180 may allow the one or more adapter retention members 170 tomove outward in the radial direction R upon the application of a forceto the locking housing 140 rearward in the axial direction (i.e., in the−z-direction as depicted) above a predetermined threshold. In someembodiments, the predetermined threshold is about 25 decanewtons. Byallowing the one or more adapter retention members 170 to move outwardin the radial direction R, the one or more adapter retention members 170may disengage from the locking retention features 142, such that thelocking housing 140 (and accordingly the connector housing 110 (FIG.20)) can be removed from the adapter housing 160. In this way, thelocking housing 140 (and accordingly the connector housing 110 (FIG.20)) can be disconnected from the adapter housing 160 in the event thatthe locking housing 140 and/or the connector housing 110 (FIG. 20) aresubjected to an inadvertent force, which may assist in minimizing damageto the connector housing 110.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24 section views of the fiber optic connectorassembly 100 are schematically depicted. In some embodiments, the boot180 defines an inwardly-extending boot inner ridge 186 that isselectively engageable with the locking housing 140. For example, insome embodiments, the locking housing 140 defines a locking protrusion152 extending outwardly from the outer surface 148 of the lockinghousing 140. The boot inner ridge 186 may engage the locking protrusion152 as the boot 180 moves forward in the axial direction (i.e., in the+z-direction as depicted) and engagement between the boot inner ridge186 and the locking protrusion 152 may provide tactile feedback to auser moving the boot 180 forward in the axial direction. For example,the boot inner ridge 186 and the locking protrusion 152 may bepositioned such that the boot inner ridge 186 engages the lockingprotrusion 152 as the boot 180 moves into the engaged position, therebyproviding tactile feedback to the user that the boot 180 is in theengaged position.

Accordingly, it should now be understood that embodiments describedherein are directed to fiber optic connector assemblies including aconnector housing and an adapter assembly including a locking housingand an adapter housing. The adapter housing may generally permit theconnector housing to be engaged with a dissimilar coupling, for exampleof a closure. The connector housing may be selectively coupled to, andmay be releasable from the adapter housing via the locking housing,thereby allowing the connector housing to be selectively coupled to andreleased from the dissimilar coupling and/or closure.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the presentdisclosure being “structurally configured” in a particular way, toembody a particular property, or to function in a particular manner, arestructural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. Morespecifically, the references herein to the manner in which a componentis “structurally configured” denotes an existing physical condition ofthe component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation ofthe structural characteristics of the component.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments describedherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover themodifications and variations of the various embodiments described hereinprovided such modification and variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic connector assembly comprising: aconnector housing defining a rotationally-discrete locking portiondefined on an outer surface of the connector housing; an adapterassembly selectively coupled to the connector housing, the adapterassembly comprising: an adapter housing extending around the connectorhousing and defining an adapter front end and an adapter retentionmember that is positionable between an engaged position, in which theadapter retention member restricts movement of the connector housingwith respect to the adapter assembly in an axial direction, and adisengaged position, in which the connector housing is movable withrespect to the adapter assembly in the axial direction; and a lockinghousing positioned between the adapter housing and the connectorhousing, the locking housing defining a locking front end positionableat least partially within the adapter housing, and a locking retentionfeature that is engaged with the adapter retention member when theadapter retention member is in the engaged position.
 2. The fiber opticconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking retention featurecomprises a slot defined on an outer surface of the locking housing. 3.The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapterretention member defines a forwardly-facing locking engagement facepositioned at least partially within the locking retention feature ofthe locking housing in the engaged position.
 4. The fiber opticconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapter housing defines anouter surface and an inner surface, and wherein the adapter retentionmember comprises an arm extending inwardly from the inner surface. 5.The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the adapterretention member defines a ramp facing rearwardly and outwardly in aradial direction.
 6. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 1,further comprising a connector retention feature engaged with thelocking housing, and wherein the rotationally-discrete locking portionof the connector housing defines a connector locking face engaged withthe connector retention feature.
 7. The fiber optic connector assemblyof claim 6, wherein the connector retention feature comprises a clipengaged with an outer surface of the locking housing and the connectorlocking face.
 8. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a boot rearward of the connector housing in the axialdirection, the boot defining a forwardly-extending adapter engagementfeature.
 9. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 8, wherein theboot is movable between an engaged position, in which theforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is engaged with theadapter retention member, and a disengaged position, in which theforwardly- extending adapter engagement feature is spaced apart from theadapter retention member.
 10. The fiber optic connector assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature ofthe boot restricts outward movement of the adapter retention member in aradial direction that is transverse to the axial direction in theengaged position.
 11. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 8,wherein the forwardly-extending adapter engagement feature is positionedbetween the inner surface of the adapter housing and the adapterretention member in the engaged position.
 12. The fiber optic connectorassembly of claim 8, wherein the forwardly-extending adapter engagementfeature comprises a finger extending forwardly from the boot.
 13. Thefiber optic connector assembly of claim 8, further comprising a sealingelement positioned between the connector housing and the lockinghousing.
 14. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 8, furthercomprising a sealing element engaged with an outer surface of theadapter housing.
 15. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 1,wherein the adapter housing comprises a plurality of adapter retentionmembers positionable between the engaged position and the disengagedposition.
 16. The fiber optic connector assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a boot rearward of the connector housing in the axialdirection, the boot defining a forwardly-extending adapter engagementfeature, and wherein: the locking retention feature comprises a slotdefined on an outer surface of the locking housing; the adapterretention member defines a forwardly-facing locking engagement facepositioned at least partially within the locking retention feature ofthe locking housing in the engaged position; and the boot is movablebetween an engaged position, in which the forwardly-extending adapterengagement feature is engaged with the adapter retention member, and adisengaged position, in which the forwardly-extending adapter engagementfeature is spaced apart from the adapter retention member.
 17. The fiberoptic connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking housing definesa protrusion extending outward from an outer surface of the lockinghousing.
 18. A method for connecting a fiber optic connector assembly toa closure, the method comprising: inserting a connector housing into alocking housing, the connector housing defining a locking portiondefined on an outer surface of the connector housing; inserting thelocking housing into an adapter housing, the adapter housing defining anadapter front end and an adapter retention member; and engaging theadapter retention member of the locking housing with a locking retentionfeature of the locking housing.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising engaging the adapter retention member with aforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature of a boot positionedrearward of the connector housing.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinengaging the adapter retention member with the forwardly-extendingadapter engagement feature of the boot comprises moving theforwardly-extending adapter engagement feature between an inner surfaceof the locking housing and the adapter retention member.